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View synonyms for beckon

beckon

[ bek-uhn ]

verb (used with or without object)

  1. to signal, summon, or direct by a gesture of the head or hand.

    Synonyms: nod, bid, gesture, wave, motion

  2. to lure; entice.

    Synonyms: beguile, allure, tantalize, tempt, coax, draw, attract, invite



noun

  1. a nod, gesture, etc., that signals, directs, summons, indicates agreement, or the like.

beckon

/ ˈbɛkən /

verb

  1. to summon with a gesture of the hand or head
  2. to entice or lure


noun

  1. a summoning gesture

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Derived Forms

  • ˈbeckoning, adjectivenoun
  • ˈbeckoner, noun

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Other Words From

  • beckon·er noun
  • beckon·ing·ly adverb
  • un·beckoned adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of beckon1

before 950; Middle English beknen, Old English gebē ( a ) cnian, derivative of bēacen beacon

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Word History and Origins

Origin of beckon1

Old English bīecnan , from bēacen sign; related to Old Saxon bōknian ; see beacon

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Example Sentences

At the bar, a trio of sharply dressed Chinese twentysomethings beckon for one more round of rosé.

The firemen confer with the organizers and then beckon them toward the front of the bus.

When anarchy seems to beckon, Libya pulls back from the brink.

Corked glass bottles of spices, infused oils and vinegars beckon from antique cupboards like jewels.

But the longest red-letter day has its ending, and time and tide beckon one with the brutality of an impatient jailer.

You have only to mount your horse, beckon to your negro, and follow the path you will find at the back of the house.

Like a football player picking a hole in the line, I had seen the bedroom door open and a friendly hand beckon.

They saw the professor dance wildly around and beckon to them.

He parted the hanging blankets and went in, emerging after a little while to beckon me.

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